It's an Orange Aardvark

 A group of carpenter ants live in a tree stump.  One day, an ant decides to drill to the outside of the stump to see what's there.  The other (more pessimistic) ants think that's a bad idea.  What if there's an aardvark out there?  Everybody knows that aardvarks eat ants. The first ant drills the hole anyway, and sees something orange (could it be an orange aardvark?). This delightful read-aloud story for young children will introduce the colors of the rainbow.  Add some mystery and word play, and this is fun for all (even adults reading the story).
Minnesotan, Michael Hall, author of My Heart is a Zoo, Cat Tale, and Perfect Square, is the creator of this color fest.

Peep Leap

It's Spring and soon birds will start nesting and raising their young.  Wood ducks often nest in trees near a pond or swamp. On the day after they hatch, the baby ducklings must jump from the nest to the water, where they will live with their parents until they are able to fly and fend for themselves.

In this rhyming counting story by Minnesotan Elizabeth Verdick, a group of ten baby ducklings must make the big leap.  All jump bravely except number ten who is afraid of such a big leap.  Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations by John Bendall-Brunello add a realistic touch to the story.  A nice resource for "Spring" units with young children.

A Dog is a Dog

We all know what a dog is, right?  Well,---not so fast---things are different in this lively picture book.  A dog is a dog----unless it's a cat!, or maybe a ______, or maybe a ______.  I won't give all the animals away--you have to read it for yourself.  This is a first book by Minnesota author and illustrator Stephen Shaskan; and the lively colorful story will have young children chuckling as they read.  It is great fun!

Moo!

Is it possible to write a complete story using just one word? The answer is "yes", and this comical book by David LaRochelle, and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka is the result. 
The farmer has a car for sale, and when cow sees it, she must take it for a little joy ride, mooing all the way (well almost---until the last page!).  This is a hilarious romp for young children.

Dinosaur Thunder

A big thunderstorm is happening outside.  Big brother Chad is so excited by the storm that he dances in the middle of the living room floor.  Little brother Brannon, on the other hand, is so frightened of thunder that he looks for a place to hide.  It is only when Chad explains that thunder happens when dinosaurs start stomping around, that Brannon loses his fear, and the brothers do their "dinosaur thunder dance" for everyone.  Written by Marion Dane Bauer, with colorful imaginative illustrations by Margaret Chodos-Irvine, this will surely be enjoyed by young boys.

The Case of the Missing Donut

A young sheriff and his dog deputy have been given the task of bringing home a dozen donuts from the local bakery.  Please understand that the sheriff really loves donuts -- and when one powdered donut gets squished in the box, he can't resist eating it.  But then somehow, everyone knows he has eaten the donut -- and they look at him funny -- and ask snarky questions (like "how was that donut?") It is only when they get home, and look in a mirror that the case is solved. This humorous tale is written by Allison McGhee, and has spot-on illustrations by Isabel Roxas.  It will be great fun to share with young children, and early readers will enjoy the mystery too.

The Last Day of Kindergarten

This feels like a book that should be read in the Spring (graduation time and all that), but I'm going to mention it now since many children are just starting first grade.

This is the story of a little girl experiencing the last day of kindergarten. She is sad at first to see her friends and teacher for the last time.  The children spend their time cleaning the room, meeting for a last circle time, and going to their graduation.  By the end of the day our young heroine is all ready to start first grade! Written by Minnesotan Nancy Loewen, and illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa, this was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2011.

Happy Birthday, Hamster

We first met this engaging hamster in Hot Rod Hamster. He's back, and looking forward to his birthday party. His friend, Dog, is busy shopping for things (but they don't seem to be birthday things). Poor Hamster thinks everyone forgot about his birthday, and gets a big surprise in the end.  With rollicking rhyming text by Cynthia Lord, and colorful illustrations by Minnesotan Derek Anderson, this will be a good read-aloud to share with young children or early readers (might even be good for a birthday party selection).

Waking Dragons

It's morning, and time for the brave young knight to wake the sleeping dragons. Fearlessly, he climbs the ladder into their bed, pulls their covers off, puts their jammies in the hamper, and brushes their teeth.  Then it's downstairs for a waffle breakfast, and off they go flying in the sky (but not before delivering the young knight to the front door of his school).  A simple story by Jane Yolen, complemented with bright, humorous, and colorful illustrations by Derek Anderson, make this book a delight for young children.  It was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2013.

Cat Tale

Lillian, Tilly, and William J. are three inquisitive cats who set off on an afternoon adventure.  They plan to spend time snacking and reading, but soon are chasing words including homophones and homonyms, in what becomes a fabulous tongue-twisting adventure.  Written and illustrated by St. Paul graphic designer Michael Hall, this is a terrific book for preschool and primary language arts classes. Click here for a brief trailer to give you a sample of this tale.

The Clock Struck One

The delightful rhyming text of this story expands on the nursery rhyme 'Hickory Dickory Dock', as a cat chases a mouse up the clock, and then around the neighborhood. They are followed by other animals (and people) until midnight arrives, and everyone falls asleep. That is, until 1:00 comes... The book includes information about clocks and telling time in the back. Written by Trudy Harris, illustrated by Minnesotan Carrie Hartman, this might be a resource for telling time units for preschool or primary grades.

Dragonfly Door

Readers of this picture book about the life cycle will meet two insect friends, Lea and Nym, who are water nymphs living in a marsh.  One day Lea is missing and Nym looks everywhere for her.  Eventually Nym learns that Lea has died and gone to a new world to be a dragonfly.  It's a story about the life cycle, but with overtones about death and future life, possibly making it appropriate to use with grieving children.  Written by Minnesota author John Adams, with illustrations by Barbara Gibson, this is a simple story to share with young children.  Endnotes provide more detail about the life cycle of dragonflies.

Hurray for Spring!

This simple story told in rhyming text is an imaginative introduction to Spring.  It will be fun to share with young and primary age children.  Written by Patricia Hubbell, and illustrated in large watercolor and pencil pictures by Minnesotan Taia Morley, it's a real expression of the joy of Spring! (and boy do we need it this year!!)

Cutest Critter

Spring is the season of new life.  What is the cutest baby critter of the land? Maybe a sleepy bear cub? Or a fawn just learning to stand up? Each double page spread of this book features a different baby.  The pictures by Stan Tekiela are paired with a simple rhyming text by Marion Dane Bauer.  And who's the cutest?  I'm not giving it away--read the book.  This will be fun for parents to share with young children.

My Heart is Like a Zoo

This bright colorful picture book introduces young readers to 20 animals, which have been created from heart-shaped paper.  It also describes in rhyming text, how someone's emotions, especially love, can be different things at different times. For example: eager as a beaver, steady as a yak, etc. This is a first book for graphic designer Michael Hall, and it is a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2011.  Share this bright, wonderful book with your favorite preschooler.

Can't Sleep Without Sheep

A little girl named Ava sometimes can't fall asleep at night.  Her mother tells her to 'count sheep'.  She gives it a try, but it still takes so long that the sheep get tired and quit.  They promise to find replacements, but that isn't easy either as each new animal adds to the confusion and havoc.  Written by Susanna Leonard Hill, with hilarious illustrations by Minnesotan Mike Wohnoutka, this will be fun to share with young children.

One Pup's Up

The daily life of a group of puppies is the focus of this counting and rhyming story by Marsha Wilson Chall.  From the first puppy to awake in the morning ("one pup's up"), to ten puppies who tussle and "show off a peppy puppy grin". But, they eventually tire, and fall back to sleep---until---one pup's up! The watercolor and ink illustrations by Henry Cole add to the energy and spunkiness of this simple story.  Fun to share with young children.

Sit Still

A young boy named Patrick knows 101 ways to sit in a chair.  Not everyone appreciates this skill and people are constantly telling Patrick to "sit still!" Patrick's mother decides to see if keeping him busy might help.  By the end of the story, he knows 101 things to do not sitting still.  Written and illustratewd by Nancy Carlson, this can be shared with active young children at home or at school.

The Christmas Baby

It's a little past the holidays, but I just read this new book from Marion Dane Bauer. It is a simple retelling of the Nativity story; how Joseph, Mary, and the donkey found a welcoming place in the stable for Jesus' birth. It also celebrates the timeless joy that families experience when they welcome a new baby into the world. With illustrations by Richard Cowdrey, this is one for families to share and enjoy.

How Do I Love You?

This simple board book story shares all the ways a small child is loved. With simple text by Marion Dane Bauer and bright illustrations by Caroline Jayne Church, it will be a favorite for parents to share with young children; and could be a nice gift for parents of a baby or young child.